When someone is responsible for the administration of something, do they administrate it or administer it?

goodreporter

Dear Dave: They administer it. This is an awful lot like the misuse of the word "commentate". As you know, there are members of the media who are "commentators". But, the verbal form of that noun is not "comentate". The correct form of that verb in "comment". It is the same here. sincerely, goodreporter Nov 11 10, 5:23 AM

star_gazer

Administer or Administrate? Administer is the verb form for administration or administrator. The word administrate is an incorrect form of the verb created by some who drop the -ion suffix of administration. Incorrect: He did a great job of administrating the estate. Correct: He did a great job of administering the estate. Be careful when forming verbs from nouns that end in -ation, as the correct verb form may not end in -ate. See also Orient or Orientate? http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000172.htm Nov 11 10, 8:58 AM

davejacobs

Thanks both. I thought "administer" was right. The question was prompted by an answer to Question #118667, on the administration of Svalbard, saying it was administrated by a Governor. Nov 11 10, 9:18 AM

Zbeckabee

They do either: administrate (ədˈmɪnɪˌstreɪt) — vb to manage or direct (the affairs of a business, institution, etc) administer [ad-min-uh-ster] – vb 1. to manage (affairs, a government, etc.); have executive charge of: to administer the law. 2. to bring into use or operation: to administer justice; to administer last rites. http://www.dictionary.com Nov 12 10, 2:50 PM